“Their Life”: Chechen Youth in Berlin

“Their Life”, a cultural project which starts on January 20 and continues for one month, will explain the lives of Chechen people in Germany.

According to the project’s description, Chechens are a minority among Muslim foreigners in Germany. Today, more than 1,500 refugees from the Russian occupied Chechen Republic of Ichkeria live in Berlin and their numbers are growing day by day. However, German society does not know anything about them. This project, which is supported by the German-Caucasian Society and August Bebel Institute, aims to show the Chechen culture without prejudices.

As part of the project, there will be an exhibition: A youth room with photo albums, music, prayer mats, a laptop and personal accessories that were furnished and designed by Chechen kids. A television with a film about 19-year old Ayubkhan as he attends his German language course, a black bag and a tiny Chechen flag in his hands. At listening stations, Madina, Kheda, Seda and others speak about their life in Berlin-Wedding, their wishes and desires. In only 15 square meters, they mix the current situation in Berlin with memories of their lost home, which remains deep inside of the young people.

The Chechen youth in Berlin invite everybody to see their exhibition and participate in their social project.

Here is the program:

On January 20, at 07.00pm: “Opening of the Exhibition!” The speakers: André Schmitz, the State Secretary for Cultural Affairs; Ingo Siebert, August Bebel Institute; Elke Bredereck and Nicole Andries, Kulturbewegt e.V.

On January 23, at 11.00am: “Documentary movie screening: Nowhere in Europe”, by Kirstin Neckig. A documentary movie which describes the fate of Chechen asylum seekers in different parts of Europe. After the movie, there will be a discussion with the director.
(The place: Kino Moviemento, Kottbusser Damm 22, Berlin-Kreuzberg)

On January 27, at 07.00pm: “Where is Chechnya?” – Background information about Chechnya and the role of Germany. Information and discussion with the participation of journalist Maynat Kourbanova and Dr.Olaf Kühl.

On February 10, at 07.00pm: “Chechen Refugees in Germany”. A discussion with the participation of Ekkehard Maaß, from the German-Caucasian Society, and other guests.

On February 17, at 07.00pm: “Closing”. The poems and a discussion with Chechen poet Apti Bisultanov.

The exhibition and events will be held at the “Galerie im Kurt Schumacher Haus”: Müllerstr. 163, 13353 Berlin (U+S Wedding)